Cairo: Egypt marked the first World Underwater Cultural Heritage Day with a celebration organized by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair on Underwater Cultural Heritage and the Marine Archaeology Center at Alexandria University. This event also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the event took place at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina's Conference Center and featured attendance from international and regional experts. Ghada Abdel-Bary, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector and Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abdel Aziz Konsowa. She highlighted Alexandria's significant maritime history and its contributions to scientific research, education, and the preservation of maritime heritage.
Abdel-Bary emphasized the importance of international collaboration, scientific research, and training in safeguarding underwater cultural heritage as a vital component of cultural memory and identity. She also pointed out the need to utilize technology and innovation for the discovery, documentation, and preservation of such heritage, promoting integration among various fields like archaeology, marine sciences, engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence.
'Egypt spearheaded the initiative to establish World Underwater Cultural Heritage Day,' she noted, explaining that the idea was proposed in 2023 by the Marine Archaeology Center at Alexandria University and approved by UNESCO in 2025. The day, designated for August 21, aims to honor underwater cultural heritage annually.
Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, also expressed gratitude to the organizing institutions. He highlighted that launching the international day from Egypt underscores the country's role in preserving human heritage and fostering international cooperation.
The celebration gathered representatives from governments, UNESCO, international organizations, universities, museums, and heritage institutions, alongside researchers and specialists. The program included opening remarks, lectures, panel discussions, and documentary film screenings, and concluded with the adoption of the 'Alexandria Declaration on Underwater Cultural Heritage.'
Additional activities featured the opening of an exhibition honoring marine archaeologist Honor Frost at the Hall of Fame in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina's main entrance and the 'People and the Sea' photography exhibition at the Honorary Consulate of Italy.